Difference between revisions of "Ystervark"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_ystervark_spaa
 
|code=uk_ystervark_spaa
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].
+
The '''Ystervark''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft (SPAA) vehicle operated by the South African Defence Force (SADF). Taking its name from the South African cape porcupine, an animal with a powerful physique protected by an astonishing array of spines to defend itself against predatory animals, a vehicle named after this species should represent those attributes. The Ystervark SPAA is a solid and robust vehicle designed to withstand the harsh South African environment. The Ystervark SPAA was developed in the 1980s in response to a mobile and mine-protected anti-air platform request. It is based on another project, Project Sireb, which produced three mine-resistant vehicles as potential replacements for the Buffel armoured personal carrier (APC). One of the three prototypes, nicknamed the "Bulldog," would serve as the foundation for the Ystervark SPAA by removing the passenger tub and replacing it with the weapons platform.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]], the Ystervark is exceptional at anti-air roles in the right hands. Since the crew is all exposed without armour protection, it is critical to always remain hidden and undetected when driving. This vehicle can easily bring down any aircraft during engagements thanks to its fast-firing and accurate 20 mm GAI C01 autocannon. As the ammunition is limited, it is critical to fire in short bursts. It also has some limited anti-tank capability owing to its high-velocity armour-piercing (HVAP) ammunition, although it is not recommended to use such a vehicle to engage enemy ground targets unless absolutely essential.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
 
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
As is the case with most truck or flatbed-based SPAA vehicles, the entire crew is not protected by any meaningful armour or cover. The commander and gunner sit unprotected in the open, and the driver is protected by thin armour and bulletproof glass at best. The ballistic glass can, in exceptional cases or at extreme impact angles, stop rifle calibre fire or even 20 mm grenades and protect the driver, but the only lightly armoured cabin virtually nullifies any protective effect of the bulletproof glass.
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
The survivability of this vehicle lies in its compact size and speed, the Ystervark will endure at the hands of a shrewd and map-savvy player. The vehicle can hole up in smaller spaces or bury itself comfortably in thickets and bush. It can find itself nestled amongst burning wrecks or even climb into some building ruins. it also presents a small and hard to hit target when rushing away at its top speed to elude danger.
−
* Structural steel
+
 
−
* Rolled homogeneous armor
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
* Bulletproof glass
+
 
 +
* Structural steel (chassis)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, truck bed, hood)
 +
* Bulletproof glass (windscreen)
 +
* Wheel (tires)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 25: Line 30:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 2-5 mm (12-82°) ''Grille & Bumpers''  
+
| Chassis || 2-5 mm (12-82°) ''Grille & Bumpers'' || 4 mm ''Top'' <br> 4 mm (60°) ''Bottom'' <br> 5 mm ''Chassis'' || 4 mm (19°)
−
4 mm (12-76°) ''Drivers cabin'' 60 mm (12°) ''Windshield''  
+
!
−
| 4-5 mm (0-60°) ''Main hull''  
+
|-
−
2 mm (0°) ''Fuel tank'' 60 mm (7°) ''Windshield''  
+
| Drivers cabin || 4 mm (12°) ''Cabin'' <br> 60 mm (12°) ''Windshield'' || 4 mm (0-7°) ''Cabin'' <br> 60 mm (0-7°) ''Windshield''
−
| 4-5 mm (2-19°) || 2 mm (88°) ''Drivers cabin''
+
!
 +
| 2 mm (2°)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
* Wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick.
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
* Vents and mudguards are 2 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 41: Line 48:
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=176|rbMinHp=110}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=176|rbMinHp=110}}
 +
 +
With a top speed of 89 Km/h, the Ystervark is a very fast vehicle. Compared to most other vehicles its weight of merely 6 metric tonnes renders it incredibly agile, able to clamber readily up steep slopes and turn tight corners without the loss of much speed. However, this comes with one downside in the form of the reverse speed; the Ystervark has a reverse speed of only -13 Km/h meaning that getting into a position is easy, but not always as easy to escape it when things turn south if accelerating forward is not an option.
 +
 +
The suspension on the Ystervark is superb, maintaining a very stable base on the vehicle when performing manoeuvres such as turns on hills or crossing uneven terrain. The 20 mm gun is very much operable when driving at speed owing to the performance of this suspension even while stock.
 +
 +
As with all wheeled vehicles, beware such terrain types as: Snow, muddy ground and deeper sand. The Ystervark suffers greatly when it is bogged in these terrain types and loses its one greatest asset: its agility.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 70: Line 83:
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
  
−
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
−
* '''M594:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}
+
* '''M594:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}
−
* '''M601:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
+
* '''M601:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:GAI C01 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HVAP-T, HEFI-T}}
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Default || 57 || 52 || 37 || 24 || 15 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| M594 || 57 || 52 || 37 || 24 || 15 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| M601 || 57 || 52 || 37 || 24 || 15 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| 20 mm M601 || HVAP-T || 1,100 || 0.11 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 77° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 20 mm M594 || HEF-I || 1,054 || 0.12 || 0 || 0.1 || 27.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 121: Line 101:
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''8''' <br> '''600''' || ''Magazines'' <br> ''Rounds'' || 7&nbsp;''(+1)'' <br> 525&nbsp;''(+75)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+2)'' <br> 450&nbsp;''(+150)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+3)'' <br> 375&nbsp;''(+225)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+4)'' <br> 300&nbsp;''(+300)''  
+
| '''8''' <br> '''600''' || ''Magazines'' <br> ''Rounds'' || 7&nbsp;''(+1)'' <br> 525&nbsp;''(+75)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+2)'' <br> 450&nbsp;''(+150)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+3)'' <br> 375&nbsp;''(+225)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+4)'' <br> 300&nbsp;''(+300)''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
Line 140: Line 120:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The Ystervark can be an exceptional ambush predator in the right hands. Whether your prey of choice is the flanks of unsuspecting tanks or aircraft buzzing overhead.
 +
 
 +
Staying low and unseen with a patient mindset when driving the Ystervark can be greatly rewarding to the player. With a 75 round fast firing belt of 20 mm ammunition, the player can use their small size to lurk where aircraft will complacently fly low and not traditionally avoid (Like the opposing team's spawn, where most SPAA prefer to seat themselves.). With this in mind, the gun has the speed and accuracy to seize on opportunities created by the stealthy approach, often snapshot bursts are enough to bring an aircraft down with enough practice.
 +
 
 +
The same tactics can be employed on vehicles, however bear in mind the 57 mm maximum penetration of the HVAP-T shells is the best the vehicle can get, further modifications from stock only change the belt composition. While this is sufficient for most light and medium tanks the Ystervark will encounter at its BR in ground realistic, it can also encounter heavy tanks such as the M6A1 or the KV-85 in a full uptier. Neither of which the 20 mm HVAP-T can penetrate from the side.
 +
 
 +
When fighting aircraft such as Strike Fighters, it is advisable to conserve ammunition. 75 rounds is sufficient, but the fast firing rate of the 20 mm GAI C01 cannon can burn through that entire belt in just under five seconds (around 4.8 seconds during testing). At a reload time of 7 seconds with an untrained crew, this can be enough time for a fighter to strafe the defenceless vehicle. Due to the non-existent armour of the Ystervark, this will in most cases end in the destruction of the vehicle.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 147: Line 133:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Fast 900+ rounds/min firerate allows it easily score hits with a burst on an aircraft's flight path
+
* Fast rate of fire allows it to easily score hits with a burst on an aircraft's flight path
 
* Small profile makes it very easy to conceal itself
 
* Small profile makes it very easy to conceal itself
 
* High top speed of 90 km/h means great agility
 
* High top speed of 90 km/h means great agility
−
* Lack of armour means conventional cannons will struggle to one-shot it if poorly aimed
+
* Lack of armour means conventional cannons will struggle to knock it out with a single shot if poorly aimed
−
* 75-round belt allows it to confidentally engage targets without worrying too much about reloading
+
* 75-round belt allows it to confidently engage targets without worrying too much about reloading
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* The driving compartment can obstruct the autocannon's gun depression which might be sometimes fatal
+
* The driving compartment can obstruct the autocannon's gun depression, which might be sometimes fatal
 
* No armour protection, making it highly vulnerable to MG bullets, shrapnel, and even ramming from tanks and aircraft
 
* No armour protection, making it highly vulnerable to MG bullets, shrapnel, and even ramming from tanks and aircraft
 
* Is wheeled, meaning its mobility will be significantly worsened on bad road conditions
 
* Is wheeled, meaning its mobility will be significantly worsened on bad road conditions
−
* Reverse speed of -13 km/h can be inadequate, especially when comparing to its counterpart [[R3 T20 FA-HS|R3 T20]]
+
* Gunsight is positioned far above the gun, which can be awkward to aim in simulator
−
* Gunsight is position far above the gun, which can be awkward to aim in simulator
 
 
* Complex appearance can make it hard to place bushes, decorators, and decals
 
* Complex appearance can make it hard to place bushes, decorators, and decals
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
Up until the early 1980s, the SADF anti-air regiments were reliant on towed equipment. However, as the military doctrine shifted towards mobile warfare, the need for a self-propelled anti-air gun unit became clear. As a result, South African engineers began working on a respective design, which had to be rugged enough to withstand the harsh South African terrain and threat of landmines, yet light enough to ensure a high level of mobility.
+
Up to the early 1980s, the SADF anti-air regiments were reliant on towed equipment. However, as the military doctrine shifted towards mobile warfare, the need for a self-propelled anti-air gun unit became clear. As a result, South African engineers began working on a respective design, which had to be rugged enough to withstand the harsh South African terrain and threat of landmines, yet light enough to ensure a high level of mobility.
  
−
Building on the basis of a previous mine-resistant vehicle project, the engineers came up with a light SPAAG design, built on top of the Bulldog APC chassis between 1983 and 1984. Entering service almost immediately, the Ystervark was used to accompany South African mechanized battalions and to protect strategic assets, such as air bases in the southwest African region. Ystervarks were first employed operationally during Operation Thunder Chariot in 1984 - a division -scale exercise in South Africa during which the Ystervarks were first tested.
+
In 1981, three prototypes of an MRAP vehicle were evaluated as a possible replacement for the Buffel APC.  None of these replaced the Buffel, but one of these prototypes, known as the "Bulldog", formed the basis for the Ystervark. The superstructure was removed, and an anti-aircraft gun was placed on the chassis. Entering service almost immediately, the Ystervark was used to accompany South African mechanized battalions and protect strategic assets, such as air bases in the territory of South-West Africa. It was first tested in 1984 during the division-scale exercise Operation Thunder Chariot.
  
−
However, the Ystervarks didn’t have to wait long for their first combat deployment. Taking part in several operations in the ongoing South African Border War from 1986, Ystervarks were used to great success as deterrents to low-flying Angolan attack aircraft and helicopters, even downing several Angolan MiGs in 1986 and 1987.  After the conclusion of the Border War in 1989, the Ystervark was gradually being phased out of service in 1991 and replaced by the SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël mine-protected SPAAG armoured truck called the Bosvark. Officially, the Ystervark was withdrawn from active service in 1997 after more than 70 units were produced.
+
However, the Ystervarks didn't have to wait long for their first combat deployment. Taking part in several operations in the ongoing South African Border War from 1986 on, they were used to great success as deterrents to low-flying Angolan attack aircraft and helicopters, even downing several Angolan MiGs in 1986 and 1987. After the conclusion of the Border War in 1989, the Ystervark was gradually being phased out of service in 1991 and replaced by the Bosvark, an SPAAG based on the SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël mine-protected armoured truck. Officially, the Ystervark was withdrawn from active service in 1997 after more than 70 units were produced.
  
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/7390-development-ystervark-the-little-truck-that-could-en|Devblog]]''
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/7390-development-ystervark-the-little-truck-that-could-en|Devblog]]''
Line 174: Line 159:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_ystervark_spaa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 17:30, 22 July 2024

Ystervark
uk_ystervark_spaa.png
GarageImage Ystervark.jpg
ArtImage Ystervark.png
Ystervark
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.0 4.0
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ystervark is a self-propelled anti-aircraft (SPAA) vehicle operated by the South African Defence Force (SADF). Taking its name from the South African cape porcupine, an animal with a powerful physique protected by an astonishing array of spines to defend itself against predatory animals, a vehicle named after this species should represent those attributes. The Ystervark SPAA is a solid and robust vehicle designed to withstand the harsh South African environment. The Ystervark SPAA was developed in the 1980s in response to a mobile and mine-protected anti-air platform request. It is based on another project, Project Sireb, which produced three mine-resistant vehicles as potential replacements for the Buffel armoured personal carrier (APC). One of the three prototypes, nicknamed the "Bulldog," would serve as the foundation for the Ystervark SPAA by removing the passenger tub and replacing it with the weapons platform.

Introduced in Update "Ground Breaking", the Ystervark is exceptional at anti-air roles in the right hands. Since the crew is all exposed without armour protection, it is critical to always remain hidden and undetected when driving. This vehicle can easily bring down any aircraft during engagements thanks to its fast-firing and accurate 20 mm GAI C01 autocannon. As the ammunition is limited, it is critical to fire in short bursts. It also has some limited anti-tank capability owing to its high-velocity armour-piercing (HVAP) ammunition, although it is not recommended to use such a vehicle to engage enemy ground targets unless absolutely essential.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull4 / 4 / 4
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew3 people
Visibility107 %

As is the case with most truck or flatbed-based SPAA vehicles, the entire crew is not protected by any meaningful armour or cover. The commander and gunner sit unprotected in the open, and the driver is protected by thin armour and bulletproof glass at best. The ballistic glass can, in exceptional cases or at extreme impact angles, stop rifle calibre fire or even 20 mm grenades and protect the driver, but the only lightly armoured cabin virtually nullifies any protective effect of the bulletproof glass.

The survivability of this vehicle lies in its compact size and speed, the Ystervark will endure at the hands of a shrewd and map-savvy player. The vehicle can hole up in smaller spaces or bury itself comfortably in thickets and bush. It can find itself nestled amongst burning wrecks or even climb into some building ruins. it also presents a small and hard to hit target when rushing away at its top speed to elude danger.

Armour type:

  • Structural steel (chassis)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, truck bed, hood)
  • Bulletproof glass (windscreen)
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Chassis 2-5 mm (12-82°) Grille & Bumpers 4 mm Top
4 mm (60°) Bottom
5 mm Chassis 		4 mm (19°)
Drivers cabin 4 mm (12°) Cabin
60 mm (12°) Windshield 		4 mm (0-7°) Cabin
60 mm (0-7°) Windshield 		2 mm (2°)

Notes:

  • Wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick.
  • Vents and mudguards are 2 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB98 / 15 km/h
RB and SB90 / 13 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight6.0 t
Engine power
AB237 hp
RB and SB124 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB39.5 hp/t
RB and SB20.7 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 98 15 6 176 237 29.33 39.5
Realistic 90 13 110 124 18.33 20.67

With a top speed of 89 Km/h, the Ystervark is a very fast vehicle. Compared to most other vehicles its weight of merely 6 metric tonnes renders it incredibly agile, able to clamber readily up steep slopes and turn tight corners without the loss of much speed. However, this comes with one downside in the form of the reverse speed; the Ystervark has a reverse speed of only -13 Km/h meaning that getting into a position is easy, but not always as easy to escape it when things turn south if accelerating forward is not an option.

The suspension on the Ystervark is superb, maintaining a very stable base on the vehicle when performing manoeuvres such as turns on hills or crossing uneven terrain. The 20 mm gun is very much operable when driving at speed owing to the performance of this suspension even while stock.

As with all wheeled vehicles, beware such terrain types as: Snow, muddy ground and deeper sand. The Ystervark suffers greatly when it is bogged in these terrain types and loses its one greatest asset: its agility.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 265 → 1 640 Sl icon.png
RB1 022 → 1 325 Sl icon.png
SB1 492 → 1 935 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 810 Rp icon.png
32 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces330 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 90 / 140 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Oerlikon_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Oerlikon_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm GAI C01 cannon
Ammunition600 rounds
Belt capacity75 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.1 → 7.0 s
Fire rate997 shots/min
Vertical guidance-7° / 83°
Main article: GAI C01 (20 mm)
20 mm GAI C01 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 600 (75) 996 -7°/+83° ±180° N/A 39.6 54.8 66.6 73.6 78.4 9.10 8.05 7.42 7.00
Realistic 26.8 31.5 38.3 42.3 45.0

Ammunition

  • Default: HVAP-T · HEFI-T
  • M594: HEFI-T · HEFI-T · HVAP-T
  • M601: HVAP-T · HVAP-T · HEFI-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HVAP-T 57 52 37 24 15 10
HEI-T* 6 6 4 3 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HVAP-T 1,100 0.11 - - - 66° 70° 72°
HEI-T* 1,054 0.12 0.1 0.1 27.2 - - -

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Ystervark
Full
ammo 		Ammo
type 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty
8
600 		Magazines
Rounds 		7 (+1)
525 (+75) 		6 (+2)
450 (+150) 		5 (+3)
375 (+225) 		4 (+4)
300 (+300)
5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
3 (+5)
225 (+375) 		2 (+6)
150 (+450) 		1 (+7)
75 (+525) 		0 (+8)
0 (+600) 		No

Note:

  • Ammunition is divided into 8 magazines of 75 rounds.

Usage in battles

The Ystervark can be an exceptional ambush predator in the right hands. Whether your prey of choice is the flanks of unsuspecting tanks or aircraft buzzing overhead.

Staying low and unseen with a patient mindset when driving the Ystervark can be greatly rewarding to the player. With a 75 round fast firing belt of 20 mm ammunition, the player can use their small size to lurk where aircraft will complacently fly low and not traditionally avoid (Like the opposing team's spawn, where most SPAA prefer to seat themselves.). With this in mind, the gun has the speed and accuracy to seize on opportunities created by the stealthy approach, often snapshot bursts are enough to bring an aircraft down with enough practice.

The same tactics can be employed on vehicles, however bear in mind the 57 mm maximum penetration of the HVAP-T shells is the best the vehicle can get, further modifications from stock only change the belt composition. While this is sufficient for most light and medium tanks the Ystervark will encounter at its BR in ground realistic, it can also encounter heavy tanks such as the M6A1 or the KV-85 in a full uptier. Neither of which the 20 mm HVAP-T can penetrate from the side.

When fighting aircraft such as Strike Fighters, it is advisable to conserve ammunition. 75 rounds is sufficient, but the fast firing rate of the 20 mm GAI C01 cannon can burn through that entire belt in just under five seconds (around 4.8 seconds during testing). At a reload time of 7 seconds with an untrained crew, this can be enough time for a fighter to strafe the defenceless vehicle. Due to the non-existent armour of the Ystervark, this will in most cases end in the destruction of the vehicle.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast rate of fire allows it to easily score hits with a burst on an aircraft's flight path
  • Small profile makes it very easy to conceal itself
  • High top speed of 90 km/h means great agility
  • Lack of armour means conventional cannons will struggle to knock it out with a single shot if poorly aimed
  • 75-round belt allows it to confidently engage targets without worrying too much about reloading

Cons:

  • The driving compartment can obstruct the autocannon's gun depression, which might be sometimes fatal
  • No armour protection, making it highly vulnerable to MG bullets, shrapnel, and even ramming from tanks and aircraft
  • Is wheeled, meaning its mobility will be significantly worsened on bad road conditions
  • Gunsight is positioned far above the gun, which can be awkward to aim in simulator
  • Complex appearance can make it hard to place bushes, decorators, and decals

History

Up to the early 1980s, the SADF anti-air regiments were reliant on towed equipment. However, as the military doctrine shifted towards mobile warfare, the need for a self-propelled anti-air gun unit became clear. As a result, South African engineers began working on a respective design, which had to be rugged enough to withstand the harsh South African terrain and threat of landmines, yet light enough to ensure a high level of mobility.

In 1981, three prototypes of an MRAP vehicle were evaluated as a possible replacement for the Buffel APC. None of these replaced the Buffel, but one of these prototypes, known as the "Bulldog", formed the basis for the Ystervark. The superstructure was removed, and an anti-aircraft gun was placed on the chassis. Entering service almost immediately, the Ystervark was used to accompany South African mechanized battalions and protect strategic assets, such as air bases in the territory of South-West Africa. It was first tested in 1984 during the division-scale exercise Operation Thunder Chariot.

However, the Ystervarks didn't have to wait long for their first combat deployment. Taking part in several operations in the ongoing South African Border War from 1986 on, they were used to great success as deterrents to low-flying Angolan attack aircraft and helicopters, even downing several Angolan MiGs in 1986 and 1987. After the conclusion of the Border War in 1989, the Ystervark was gradually being phased out of service in 1991 and replaced by the Bosvark, an SPAAG based on the SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël mine-protected armoured truck. Officially, the Ystervark was withdrawn from active service in 1997 after more than 70 units were produced.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Britain anti-aircraft vehicles
Crusader AA  Crusader AA Mk I · Crusader AA Mk II
Wheeled  Staghound AA · AEC AA
Radar SPAAG  Chieftain Marksman
Missile SPAA  Stormer AD · Stormer HVM
Other  Light AA Mk I · Falcon
Canada  Skink · ADATS (M113)
South Africa  Ystervark · Bosvark · ZA-35

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